Special Concerts
The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert
New Jersey Symphony at the Movies
Constantine Kitsopoulos conductor
New Jersey Symphony
The New Jersey Symphony presents Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert featuring the complete film, with the score performed live to picture. The Muppets perform Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine) and features many more of your favorite Muppet characters. This special holiday event is fun for the whole family!
A Gospel Holiday
New Jersey Symphony Family Concert
Gregory D. McDaniel conductor
New Jersey Symphony Gospel Chorus | Gwen Moten, director
New Jersey Symphony
Spotlighting celebrated artists from Newark and beyond, the New Jersey Symphony lauds the power of the first instrument—the human voice—with a gospel music-inspired holiday extravaganza. Come ready to sing, dance and clap along!
Handel’s Messiah
New Jersey Symphony Holiday Tradition
Jeannette Sorrell conductor
Sonya Headlam soprano
John Holiday countertenor
Ed Lyon tenor
Kevin Deas bass-baritone
Montclair State University Singers | Heather J. Buchanan, director
New Jersey Symphony
Spirits will soar at “For Unto Us a Child is Born” and the “Hallelujah Chorus” as well as the treasured arias that make Handel’s Messiah the must-hear classic of the holidays. Jeannette Sorrell, who “brings revelations” (Philadelphia Inquirer) to everything she conducts, leads the New Jersey Symphony and the phenomenal Montclair State University Singers.
2025 Lunar New Year Celebration with Xian Zhang
Celebration of the Year of the Snake
Xian Zhang conductor
Min Kwon piano
Michael Fabiano tenor
Peking University Alumni Chorus
Starry Arts Children’s Chorus | Rebecca Shen, director
Edison Chinese School Lion Dance Team
New Jersey Symphony
Join us for this evening of community and cultural exchange that is wonderful for families and children, as we celebrate the Year of the Snake. Music Director Xian Zhang, pianist Min Kwon, the Peking University Alumni Chorus, the Starry Arts Children’s Chorus, and the Edison Chinese School Lion Dance Team all return for this joyous concert–plus a special appearance by opera star Michael Fabiano! Revel in Xian’s signature blend of East and West in this celebratory performance, including favorites like Spring Festival Overture and “The Red Dragonfly” alongside selections from Puccini’s most beloved operas.
Warner Bros. Discovery presents Bugs Bunny at the Symphony
New Jersey Symphony Special Concert |
30th Anniversary Concert
George Daugherty conductor
George Daugherty & David Ka Lik Wong creators
New Jersey Symphony
Bugs Bunny at the Symphony is back! Celebrate Looney Tunes and its legendary stars, including Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, Sylvester, Wile E. Coyote, Road Runner and of course Bugs Bunny, our very favorite “wascally wabbit.” Enjoy classics including “Baton Bunny,” “The Rabbit of Seville” and “What’s Opera, Doc?” alongside Warner Bros. Discovery 3D theatrical shorts “Rabid Rider,” “Coyote Falls” and “Fur of Flying.” Don’t miss these extraordinary musical scores performed live by the New Jersey Symphony as all the action unfolds on the big screen.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert
New Jersey Symphony at the Movies
Constantine Kitsopoulos conductor
New Jersey Symphony
Thirty years after the defeat of the Empire, Luke Skywalker has vanished, and a new threat has risen: The First Order, led by the mysterious Supreme Leader Snoke and his enforcer, Kylo Ren. General Leia Organa’s military force, the Resistance—and unlikely heroes brought together by fate—are the galaxy’s only hope. Experience the complete film with the New Jersey Symphony performing John Williams’ thrilling score live.
The Music of Led Zeppelin
Featuring hits like “Kashmir,” “Black Dog,” “Stairway to Heaven” and more!
Brent Havens conductor & arranger
Windborne Music Group
Justin Sargent vocalist
New Jersey Symphony
The New Jersey Symphony and Windborne Music Group bridge the gulf between classical music and rock n’ roll to present The Music of Led Zeppelin, celebrating the best of the legendary classic rock group. Amplified with full-on guitars and screaming vocals, sing and dance along as Led Zeppelin’s “sheer blast and power” is put on full display riff for riff with new musical colors. Timeless hits like “Kashmir,” “Black Dog,” “Stairway to Heaven” and more will get you on your feet in this special concert you don’t want to miss!
Discover Mozart & Bach
New Jersey Symphony Family Concert:
A Music Discovery Zone
Xian Zhang conductor
Gregory D. McDaniel conductor
Eric Wyrick violin
Francine Storck violin
Annamaria Witek cello
New Jersey Symphony
Discover what makes a live orchestra concert so special. We’ll take a deep dive into works by Mozart, as well as J.S. Bach’s incredibly famous Double Concerto for Two Violins. Also featured on the program is 2024 Henry Lewis Concerto Competition winner, cellist Annamaria Witek. Inspired by Leonard Bernstein’s masterful way of putting young audiences at the center of music-making, this interactive concert will feature inside tips, listening cues and fun facts that make for the perfect Saturday afternoon family outing!
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Selection from Eine kleine Nachtmusik
- Camille Saint-Saëns Selection from Cello Concerto No. 1
- Johann Sebastian Bach Double Concerto for Two Violins
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Symphony No. 35, “Haffner”